ecological corridor: A strip of vegetation allowing the movement of wildlife or other organisms between two areas. Ecological corridors can enhance biodiversity on farms, supporting ecosystem services such as pollination and pest control.
straight fertiliser: a fertiliser that supplies only one nutrient such as nitrogen. Compare compound fertiliser, mixed fertiliser. Properly managing straight fertilisers ensures precise nutrient application, supporting healthy crop growth and better yields.
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology: A former ecological research organization, now merged with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. Abbr ITE. Helps farmers access ecological research for better land management.
Corral: Corral /k? r?l/ noun a pen for horses or cattle verb to put horses or cattle in pens. Utilizing corrals ensures proper housing and management of livestock.
minimal cultivation: a system of cultivation which subjects the land to shallow working and minimises the number of passes of machinery. No ploughing is needed. Although suitable for cereal production, minimal cultivation is not suitable for all crops or soil conditions. Crops like sugar beet and potatoes need a deeper tilth than that obtained by minimal cultivation. Understanding minimal cultivation can help farmers optimize their soil and crop management practices, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.
OECD: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The OECD provides valuable economic data and policy recommendations that can help farmers stay informed about global market trends and make strategic decisions. Engaging with OECD resources can support farm business planning and improve competitiveness.
hay bale: Hay which has been compressed into a square, rectangular or round bale, so that it can be handled and stored more easily. Using hay bales improves storage efficiency and ease of handling, making it easier to manage livestock feed supplies.
salt: Sodium chloride as part of the diet. Salt is used to preserve food by keeping it in salt or in salt water. Farmers benefit from using salt for preserving food and maintaining animal health by supplementing diets.
deficient: Lacking something essential. For example, the soil is deficient in important nutrients. Scrub plants are well adapted to this moisture-deficient habitat. She has a calcium-deficient diet. Farmers should regularly test soil and animal diets to identify and address deficiencies. Implementing soil amendments, balanced fertilization, and proper nutrition practices can improve crop and livestock health. Working with agricultural extension services can provide guidance on managing deficiencies effectively.
Lugs: Lugs are projections from the tyres of tractor wheels. They increase traction by digging into the soil and by keeping the tyre in contact with solid surfaces in muddy conditions. Using lugs can enhance tractor performance and reduce slippage in challenging soil conditions.